The winning pitcher in all 16 of the varsity softball victories this spring, sophomore Delaney Thompson was voted by her Clipper teammates as the teams’ Most Valuable Player.
She and the rest of the Clippers were honored at an awards banquet, which was held in the school commons on Monday.
“She was a steady force in the circle,” said head coach April Thompson, who presided over the ceremony. “She battled through tough innings, shut down strong line-ups and gave us a chance to win every time she took the mound.”
Thompson recorded 210 strikeouts, a new single-season strikeout record for the Clippers. She had a 1.986 ERA. But she wasn’t just a dominant pitcher; she was the Clippers’ leadoff hitter and a constant threat on the base paths. She had third most hits for the Clippers (29), including seven doubles, one triple and one home run. She was third in on-base percentage and led the team in stolen bases with 11.
“Her toughness, leadership and competitive spirit lifted this team in big moments,” coach Thompson said.
For her effort, she was one of two Clippers who was named to the All Gopher-Valley Conference team.
On the other end of the pitch, sophomore Keira Schipper was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year.
“Great defense doesn’t always make the highlight reel, but we coaches sure notice,” coach Thompson said. “Keira anchored our defense with consistency and smart decisions. She saved many runs, blocked countless pitches and wasn’t afraid to get dirty keeping the ball in front of her. As a catcher, one of the biggest compliments you can get is when the opposing coach is yelling at their runners to get back as this catcher has an arm.”
Schipper was the other Clipper named to the All-Conference team.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Flowers took home the Offensive Player of the Year award. Among the Clippers, she and Schipper were tied for the highest batting average (.403), the most hits (29) and the most RBIs (27). She led the team in doubles (eight) and homeruns (four), and her .469 on-base percentage was the Clippers’ highest.
“She was a force at the plate,” coach Thompson said. “Whether we needed a clutch hit, a big home run, or just someone to spark the offense, she delivered. Her bat changed the game more than once.”
Thompson said the Flowers’ at-bat that sticks out the most was during the Clippers’ last game of the season, the quarterfinal section game vs New Ulm Cathedral. Cleveland trailed 0-3 in the fifth inning and had two runners on. Flowers had a 3-0 count.
“Most of the time I say ‘red light,’ meaning do not swing make that pitcher throw you a strike, but knowing we were down and only a couple innings left I said ‘if you like it drive it,’ and sure enough over the fence it goes.”
Flowers, who played shortstop, also earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention award.
Senior Ava Hahn, who played infield and outfield and was known for her speed beating out bunts, was the other Clipper All-Conference Honorable Mention. Hahn collected 20 hits, batted .326 and had an on-base percentage of .386. She also swiped 10 bases.
The Rookie of the Year award went to eighth grader Brooke Bosse, a pitcher and outfielder who was moved up from junior high after the first eight varsity games.
Bosse played all over the field: infield, outfield and in the circle. As a pitcher, she recorded one save. In 37 plate appearances, she had 14 hits for a .378 average.
“Jumping into a new team or level isn’t easy, but Brooke made it look like she’d been with us for the whole season,” coach Thompson said. “She made an immediate impact and never backed down from a challenge.”
The Clippers chose sophomore Taylor Wolf as their Most Improved Player. Wolf played first base or right field.
“She started the season as someone still finding her place, but she put in the work, asked questions, and grew more confident with every practice and game,” coach Thompson said. “By the end of the season, she was making plays and swinging the bat with purpose. I’m so proud of how far she’s come.”
The Clipper Award went to senior outfielder Lacey McCabe.
“This award goes to a player who embodies everything you want in a teammate,” coach Thompson said. “She leads by example, shows up ready to work and rarely complains. She’s the kind of player every coach wants on their team.”
Besides the award winners, earning letters were seventh grader Natalie Flowers; freshmen Cecelia Gair, Ava Kluntz, Kiya Sohn and Jocelyn Kortuem; and sophomores Anna Lamont and Taylor McCabe.
As sophomores or higher with a GPA of at least 3.75 during the season, Academic All-Conference awards went to the McCabe sisters, Lamont, Schipper, Wolf, Thompson and Kaitlyn Flowers.
Thompson said the season flew by. The Clippers survived ups and downs, finished 16-7 and were a contender in the section.
“This was a team that really rolled with the punches. Whether it was extreme temperatures, gale force winds, extra innings or coaching changes, these girls never flinched. We came in with a team full of heart, determination and a willingness to grow. And that’s exactly what we did. From the first practice to the final out of the last game, this team showed up and worked every single day.”
Thompson thanked parents “for the rides, the cheers, and the support. For trusting me with your daughters and for believing in what we’re building here.”
She also thanked the players.
“You are the reason I coach. You’ve each left your mark on this team, and I am so proud of every single one of you. Whether you played every inning or came off the bench, you made this season what it was.
She expressed her appreciation to seniors Hahn and Lacey McCabe.
“It was a pleasure coaching you both this year. Our young group of players really looked up to you and I appreciate all that you brought to the team. It is always tough to say goodbye to the seniors and we wish you both well on your future endeavors and hope you made some lasting memories from this year.”
She also thanked this author.
Thompson urged the returning players to put time before next spring.
“The off-season is where champions are made. Games are won in the spring, but they’re earned in the months before. Some of you are already playing summer ball and that’s great. Keep competing. Keep working. For those of you who aren’t playing on a summer team, there are still plenty of ways to improve: hit the batting cages, play catch, go up to the fields and work on pop flies or grounders. Next season will be here before we know it, and the work you put in now will show up later. Let’s not settle. Let’s get better together.”
Above: Top award winners were, from L-R, Delaney Thompson (MVP, single-season strikeout record), Keira Schipper (Defensive Player of the Year), Brooke Bosse (Rookie of the Year), Lacey McCabe (Clipper Award), Taylor Wolf (MIP) and Kaitlyn Flowers (Offensive Player of the Year).
